14th Oct 2014, 03:34

I'd like to add to my previous review from back in '07.

Had to have a rebuilt ABS module; that cost about $1200.00 plus about $600 to finally get the problem diagnosed. That was in 2010.

Body is fine, no rust. Went to Kaitia & returned from Auckland in June. Purchased in 2002, first N.Z owner, 73,000km. Had to pay for the injector upgrade soon after, so I missed out on the factory recall later.

It's now done 230,000km, just tyres and the usual oil & filter changes.

1998 Isuzu Wizard 3.0 turbp diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Faults:

Have had the injector recall done 4JX1 motor. Also had to have the oil sensor and wiring harness replaced (oil rail pressure sensor leaking oil into wiring harness)

Water pump replaced 81,000 ks.

Currently have a problem with vehicle just cutting out, immediatly (not a fuel problem, oil pressure to injector rail all OK) it will restart straight away then run and then cut out. Tech 2 computer says no trouble codes.

Any others had this problem? Would be interested in feed back to help fix problem.

9th Jun 2008, 03:19

26th May 2009, 20:58

Same work done as above, my problem is when the vehicle stands for 3 to 4 hours, it will start and idle OK, but there is no throttle response for about 20 seconds after putting into drive. The vehicle has been back to the agents six times without any improvement.

2000 Isuzu Wizard LS 3.0 turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Faults:

Absolutely nothing. No problems so far.

General Comments:

This is the 2nd Wizard I've owned. The first gave me no problems in 4 years, and I'm confident this one will be the same.

The 3.0 litre 4JX1 motor has been the subject of recalls to do with the injector seals. Just make sure you buy one that has been recalled, or was made after the problem was rectified. In any case, they MUST have 5-30W or 5-40W oil in the engine, to prevent injector problems.

This truck has a good tough interior that stands up to dirt and mud well. The surfaces are easy clean plastic that doesn't mind muddy boots.

The rear seats can fold flat giving heaps of carrying space.

The engine is rated at 118KW (160HP), and performs very well. Keeps up with nearly everything else in normal driving. Economy is not too bad for a heavy vehicle, about 11 litres/100km around town. (26 mpg) Maybe 9 or 10 litres/100km on the highway (30 mpg).

Off road it's almost unstoppable. Haven't driven it in snow or ice yet, but everything else, and it just goes!

I have done several trips in this truck of over 800km in one day, and arrived feeling fine. The ride is fairly firm, of course, but perfectly acceptable.

I'd recommend one of these to anyone who wants a good reliable tough 4 x 4.

28th Jul 2006, 22:10

I agree. My Wizard is a beaut. Much more grunt than the Surf I had before. Tows the boat (16' fibreglass with camping gear) as though there is nothing on behind. Most noticeable extra performance is towing up the Kaimais or Bombay hills etc.

15th Jul 2007, 04:55

My 2000 Model Wizard has now covered 60,000 kms, and is proving to be a reliable, comfortable and strong vehicle.

I have previously owned "Surfs" and "Hi-Luxes", and find the Wizard has more power and stability. It also has more leg-room in both the front and rear - great for taller people! It tows my 16 foot jet-boat easily.

When first purchased, I experienced starting problems, but this was cured with an oil and filter change, including the by-pass filter, fuel and air filters (- all genuine Isuzu filters and not cheap!) I have changed to Castrol Magnatec 10W-30 oil, which seems to be O.K. and change the oil and main filter every 5,000kms. (Others at 20,000 kms). I'd appreciate reading what oil others use / recommend.

Summary:

Faults:

Shock absorbers.

ABS acts strangely over bumps.

General Comments:

This car is Japanese domestic version of Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Frontera with 4JX1 (BigHorn) engine.

Excellent engine (which does however have long-term reliabilty issues, the subject of a factory recall) which propels the car very nicely for a diesel. It is surprisingly "clattery" for a modern diesel.

Build quality is disappointing with rattles and squeaks abounding, worsening since purchase due to poor local roads.

Comfort: the Tata was streets ahead for knee room and seats as well as general on-road poise.

Dust sealing seems poor.

Quite economical.

Switch gear is poor quality, badly placed and really old-fashioned.

Nice styling, especially in the rare "Aero" form like mine, although under the cute exterior it's somewhat primitive.

Despite negative comments, a fun car to drive, with a gutsy and relaxed engine, which when combined with an automatic gearbox, makes for a much less frenetic driving experience compared to the Tata. Pity Isuzu couldn't talk to Tata about the seats!